Restaining kitchen cabinets

Hello,
My husband and I have purchased our first home. We would like darken the kitchen cabinets, to a darker color like mahogany. I have googled the project and find that some people have lists as long as 12 steps to get the project done where others will only list two or three steps. We would like the most simplest as well as effective way to get this project done. Also, how will you know if the wood has been sealed? We purchased the Miniwax stainer and tested a spot; it was still a little damp the next morning but it did take-only we can still see the wood underneath.